Pink is a great way to add warmth to your home decor and is a color that really comes into its own during the summer months. Depending on the specific shade of pink, it's an incredibly versatile color that can vary from dark and sophisticated to light and feminine.
But when it comes to decorating a pink room, knowing which colors to pair with it can be tricky. With warm undertones, the wrong color pairing can soon throw pink room ideas off balance and overwhelm a room with competing tones.
So, what colors go with pink? We asked interior designers, who share seven of their go-to pink pairings when exploring color combinations for rooms below.
7 colors to pair with pink
'Pink is an exceptionally versatile color that can complement a wide range of color palettes,' says designer Laura Lubin of Ellerslie Interiors. 'Its hue and undertones make it compatible with both lighter and darker shades.'
Read on to learn how to work with this romantic and versatile hue in any room of the home.
1. Mustard
'One of my favorite combinations is pink and muted mustard,' says home decor expert Alexandra Gater,' who opted for this playful combination in this pink living room.
'I find that pink looks more grown-up paired with this hue and loses its association with being a sweet pastel reserved only for nurseries. Pairing contrasting colors together also makes both stand out and feel more punchy.'
This is echoed by designer Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors, who adds that pink and mustard 'is always a fun pairing, especially in nursery room ideas for an unexpected twist on tradition'.
'Similarly, pairing pink with orange can cut the sweetness and up the sophistication factor of this seemingly saccharine hue,' adds Bethany.
2. Red
'For a bolder, impactful scheme, I love juxtaposing pink and red,' says interior designer Matthew Williamson, who uses these two warm hues in this living room.
If you're apprehensive of decoraitng with pink and red, use red sparingly as a much smaller accent color, while pink acts as a room's dominant color.
'A wooden chair, chest of drawers, or coffee table painted in a pillar box red instantly lifts pinks and always raises a smile,' adds Matthew. 'If you’re in doubt about giving pink and red a go, start with some easy-to-change ideas, such as a bunch of red dahlias in a pink vase, or a lampshade combining both colors.'
Gain more room color ideas with this book by Matthew Williamson – known for his bold approach to decorating with energizing colors. From pink to red, there are so many inspiring colors in here to spark ideas.
3. Light blue
'Pairing pink with blue creates a playful yet delicate aesthetic,' says designer Laura Lubin, who used this combination in this relaxing bedroom. 'To introduce greater depth and richness to your design, incorporating darker tones such as dark green or charcoal can impart a beautiful warmth.'
'One of my favorite combinations is pink and blue,' adds Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin. 'The coolness of blue complements the warmth of pink, creating a balanced look. Opt for a soft pastel blue to pair with a blush pink for a calming effect in a bedroom, or a cool denim blue to contrast with a vibrant fuchsia for a bold statement.'
4. Dark gray
For a more neutral pink color pairing, turn to decorating with gray to tone down the warmth levels. As seen in this bedroom, this color pairing creates a sophisticated look that avoids looking overly feminine.
For a more dramatic look, you can also embrace decorating with black and pink, guaranteed to add impact to your room color ideas.
5. Navy blue
Pink paired with navy blue is one of the most timeless color combinations that interior designers love. 'Pink and navy are one our favorite pairings', says interior designer and color expert Jennifer Guerin of JG Color Studios. 'The navy balances out the warm feminine feel of the pink and grounds it to create the perfect balance.'
In this bedroom designed by Nadia Watts, pink and navy are used to create a grown-up take on decorating with pink. 'Pink, like all colors, comes in a large variety of shades, so consider this when pairing your pinks. I love using hot pink with navy blue. The pairing creates a striking contrast that works for formal and casual spaces,' adds Nadia.
6. Green
Pink and green is another classic color pairing that can create harmony when soft variations of the two hues are used.
This is a favorite color pairing for interior designer Jenny Luck of Jenny Luck Interiors, who says that 'it feels timeless and can create a soft, elegant yet interesting backdrop to beautiful botanicals and florals.'
This is a failsafe color pairing for kitchen ideas, creating a calming and tranquil feel that can be seen as an elevated take on decorating with neutrals.
7. Light neutrals
Lastly, you can't go wrong with pairing pink, especially light pink, with neutrals such as white or beige.
'We love pairing light pink with neutrals like white or gray to allow the light pink to be your subtle pop of color,' says Lauren Lerner, CEO and Founder of Living with Lolo.
While this color combination works well with neutrals used across the walls and pink through smaller decor items, you can also use pink paints in small doses, such as across woodwork. If you choose this approach, Lauren recommends testing the paint colors before committing to ensure it works well in your room's lighting conditions.
'When choosing pink as an accent color, it's important to test a few paint colors to ensure the pink looks good in your space and with your lighting.'
We explore more colors that go with light pink in our dedicated feature.
Since pink is so versatile, it pairs well with many colors, depending on whether you want to keep things light and airy with soft shades or create a dramatic scheme with darker hues. If you're not sure where to start, introduce your chosen color pairing as an accent to begin with and you'll soon get a feel for what works in your space.
